'Spirits' Homecoming' returning to theaters

"Spirits' Homecoming," a widely discussed movie addressing the tragedy of Japanese military sexual slavery, is returning to theaters in an extended cut to mark its 10th anniversary, bringing renewed attention to an issue with only five surviving victims remaining.

Connect Pictures, the film's distributor, said Friday that the extended version of "Spirits' Homecoming" — subtitled "Sister, Let's Go Home" in Korean — will open in theaters nationwide on Aug.

26.

Directed by Cho Jung-rae, the original 2016 film was based on traumatic experiences of the late Kang Il-chul, one of the victims, and her drawing “Burning Women.” Made possible through crowdfunded donations from more than 75,000 citizens, the movie drew more than 3.58 million viewers and sparked nationwide attention upon its release.

The updated 132-minute version adds six minutes of previously unreleased footage.

By incorporating the stories of women from other Asian nations who suffered under the same system during World War II, the new version expands its narrative scope to emphasize cross-border solidarity and friendship ...